The guest speaker for our 2nd Story Hour was Pam Martin, from the Kansas Wetlands Education Center. 

Using our Universe of Stories theme, she shared some cool examples of an animal in space and those represented in the stars.

First off, she shared the true story of Nefertiti the Spidernaut. It was amazing to hear how this special little jumping spider learned to hunt in space… and then again back on earth. Kids saw the fangs & eyes of the jumping spider Pam brought from KWEC, however, the cricket in the cage had a temporary reprieve- as the spider wasn’t particularly hungry (at the moment!).

Next, we saw examples of different constellations in the sky which are said to depict animals.  Constellations can be found in many cultures, & the Cree from Saskatchewan & Manitoba saw The Turtle where the Greeks saw Auriga the Charioteer.  A small soft-shelled “pancake” turtle was inspected by all, & a skeleton was passed around, as well.

Other critters that visited the library & corresponded with constellations were a rabbit (the Hare), scorpion (Scorpius), and a rat snake (the Serpent).  Most were eager to touch the snake (the kids- not the adults! 😉 ) At the end, kids looked in a special box with a UV light to see how scorpions GLOW!

“Thanks!” to Pam from KWEC for once again showing us how COOL Kansas animals can be!  We always learn so much and look forward to her presentations!

24 kids, 10 guardians & 5 helpers were on hand at Story Hour this week (plus 5 live critters!).

Join us next Monday when we have a special guest presenter from Smoky Hills Public Television (plus crafts & books for all attendees!).

And, if you enjoy a good book or five, it’s NOT too late to join the Summer Reading program (for kids, teens or adults!).  

It’s FREE & FUN with Prizes for ALL! 🙂